SRINAGAR: In a significant pre-election move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday appointed Nalin Prabhat, a 1992 batch IPS officer, as the Special Director General (SDG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police with immediate effect. This decision follows the announcement of the current Director General of Police (DGP), RR Swain’s impending retirement on September 30. Prabhat is set to succeed Swain as the new DGP of Jammu and Kashmir starting October 1, 2024.
Prabhat’s appointment comes as part of an inter-cadre deputation, transferring him from the Andhra Pradesh cadre to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories) cadre for a three-year term. The official order, issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Wednesday evening, also curtailed his tenure as the Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG). The MHA emphasised that his immediate release from the NSG is essential to facilitate his transition to the AGMUT cadre.
Prabhat, known for his extensive experience in tackling law and order challenges, especially in conflict-prone regions, brings a wealth of expertise to his new role in Jammu and Kashmir. Having previously served as the Additional DG of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Inspector General of CRPF in Jammu and Kashmir, he has deep familiarity with the security dynamics of the region. His distinguished career includes being awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry three times, the Parakram Padam, and the Police Medal for Meritorious and Distinguished Service.
Born on March 14, 1968, in Thungri village, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, Nalin Prabhat graduated from St Stephen’s College, Delhi, with a BA (Honours) and an MA. Over the years, he has held various key positions both in Andhra Pradesh and within the Union government, gaining a reputation for his leadership and dedication to maintaining peace and security.
The current DGP, R.R. Swain, will retire on September 30. According to sources, Swain is likely to receive a special assignment post-retirement, allowing him to continue contributing to the governance of Jammu and Kashmir, reports appearing in media suggest.
